L E T T E R S

615relationships as we do simple acquaintances or more general relationships, bychance, with this or that person who possesses some suitable qualifications.But each person receives something providential, like a family, which doesnot depend on our choice, something’s provided by time, a barrel of salt is used incommon, through some mysterious bonds and conformity of heart, prepared andtested by God himself.In a word, for me the ideal friendship is an old friendship, a childhoodfriendship that began when hearts and natures were manifested in all of theirnakedness and simplicity and totality, before the experience of the world and ofpeople causes us to fortify ourselves and wrap ourselves up in 807 various cautionsand mannerisms.Finally, with time, as a person grows older, a specific mood, temperamentand habit develop in one person, while in another these may be quite different. If aperson is judged by these qualities, he is judged badly. Only he can judge surelyand accurately about what is within our heart, who sees it as it was before ourentry into the world, into an active life, in this vale of tears.Therefore, my dearest Adam, with such convictions and feelings, youneedn’t wonder that in speaking to you I am moved to declare my very specialfriendship for you. Or, that I am distressed and troubled by my failures in ourrelationship. To repair the damage, after God, I place all my trust in your kindheart, which I have known for so long, which I respect so highly, and which I lovewith a childlike and brotherly love.How happy I would be if I could embrace you in the very near future! Ihave many confreres in Christ, friends with whom I live in the greatest intimacyand trust, in complete unity of mind, feelings and intentions; but with none ofthem is there such a personal, close family and brotherly relationship as with you!Why, then, have I been so guilty in this regard for so long?807 The polish word today would be ―obwijania‖, not ―obwiniania‖, from the verb ―obwinad‖.